Back in October, Chris Evans shared a message on social media to mark the end of filming on Avengers 4, stating that he’d been honored to take on the role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and expressing his gratitude to the fans, along with the various cast and crew he’d worked with over the years.

While this certainly sounded like a farewell to the role, Evans subsequently clarified that his message was in reference to the end of production on the movie, and that he was “neither confirming or denying” any of the speculation that Steve Rogers could be killed off in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War follow-up.

Now, during an interview with USA Today, Infinity War and Avengers 4 co-director Joe Russo has suggested that Evans may well still have a role in the MCU moving into Phase Four.

“I think it was more emotional for him than it was us because he’s not done yet,” said Russo when asked about Evans’ social media comments. “I won’t explain what that means but fans will soon understand what I’m talking about.”

Russo’s comments are certainly intriguing. It’s possible he could be referring to Evans returning for some last minute reshoots, or he’s simply trying to throw fans off the scent if the speculation is correct and Cap is to die in Avengers4. Even if he is killed off though, that doesn’t rule out future movie appearances in flashback form, or perhaps even guest roles in Marvel’s upcoming live-action shows for Disney+ such as the Scarlet Witch series – assuming Evans is willing to extend his contract with Marvel, of course.